Logical Reasoning · Main Conclusion

PrepTest 133 · Section 1 · Question 13

Phase 1 (your first ~400 questions): read the guidance, then answer. No clock.

Step 1 · Pre-Question Guidance · read this first

Question type

Main Conclusion

The one idea it tests

The point sits between a concession and a stack of reasons: find the claim everything else supports.

The basic logic

Spot the concession (a 'still' or 'but' usually follows it). Then find the claim right after it; that is often the top bun. A 'since' gives a middle bun, and 'after all' piles evidence under the middle bun. Ask: which claim do the other sentences hold up, while it holds up nothing else?

Tiny words that decide it

“still”
“since”
“after all”

Playground logic

Kevin admits his ribbon will not change much, but says the science fair was still worth it, since the judges gave him useful feedback, and that feedback did three good things. The top bun is 'worth it.' The feedback is the middle bun, and the three things are the patty.

Step 2 · The kid story

Kevin's Volcano Verdict

Kevin's baking soda volcano won only a tiny green participation ribbon. "That ribbon will probably do nothing for me," he admitted. "Nobody looks at green ribbons." Marcus nodded sadly. "So the whole fair was a waste." Kevin shook his head so hard his dinosaur cap slipped. "No! Entering was worth it anyway, since the judges told me useful stuff about my volcano. After all, their notes taught me how to measure, showed me why my lava was runny, and made me redo my poster neatly." Priya sipped her juice box. "So, Kevin, what's your point?" Kevin grinned. "Entering the fair was worth it." Lulu wrote it at the top of her clipboard. Everything else Kevin said sat underneath it like a stack of pancakes.

Step 3 · Try the model question

Kevin's participation ribbon will probably do little for him. Still, entering the science fair was worth it, since the judges gave him useful feedback. After all, the feedback taught him to measure, explained his runny lava, and got him to redo his poster.

Which choice best states Kevin's main point?

Step 4 · The courtroom tale

The Case of the Losing Debate Team

A school board member argued in court that a debate tournament wasted public money. Mr. Whitfield rose for the school. "The trophy the team got will probably not change anything. I grant that. Still, the tournament was worth it, since the coaches' scoring sheets gave the team real information. After all, those sheets showed the students their weak spots, impressed a local college, and pushed the team to practice twice a week." The judge leaned forward. "So your main claim is?" Mr. Whitfield snapped his suspenders. "The tournament was worthwhile, Your Honor. The rest is my support."

Step 5 · Work the real question

Open PrepTest 133, Section 1, Question 13 in your official copy from LSAC (for example in LawHub) and read it there.

Your answer

How to apply it

Underline any concession, which usually comes just before a contrast word. Then find the claim the contrast word introduces. Check for a 'since' clause; it is a middle bun supporting that claim. Anything after 'after all' supports the middle bun. The main conclusion is the claim that receives support and gives none. Reject choices that repeat the concession, the middle bun, the evidence, or a new recommendation.